Spring brings with it an urge to get out and enjoy the warmth and sunshine. What better companion for a run in the spring air than the family dog?

Most dogs enjoy the exercise and the companionship and almost any breed of dog can be a suitable running partner. However, before you grab your running shoes and his leash, it's important to be sure you're prepared.

Get a good leash
The leash is your most important piece of equipment, whether you are hitting the road or trails.

Best Friends trainer Mark Renick recommends using a six-foot lead for running. "It's long enough so you won't step on your dog, but short enough so you can keep him under control."

No matter how well-trained your dog, adds Renick, it's a bad idea to walk or run with him off-leash. It only takes an instant for a dog to dart off in pursuit of a squirrel and be hit by a car or truck. Renick says his own dog, Sheba, an 8-year-old German Shepherd, is never off-lead on the street.

Brush up on training
Walking or running with your dog will be a battle if your pet doesn't have basic obedience skills. Your dog should consistently sit, stay and come on command.

If your pet has spent most of the winter indoors, he may need to brush-up on his obedience skills. Some backyard practice before the first run is probably a good idea.

It's also very important, says Renick, that your dog know how to heel. Heeling will keep your pet's front legs even with yours so he won't be lagging behind with you dragging him, or out front, pulling you along.

If you and your pet have never taken an obedience course, now is a good time to enroll in one to get ready for this new activity together. Best Friends offers on-site training classes at many of its resorts. For information, see the Our Centers page of this website.

Check with your vet
After a long, inactive winter, your dog may be as out of shape as you are. If she hasn't had a recent check-up, a visit to the vet is called for. Your vet will check for heart and lung function and look for any joint problems that need to be considered.

Your vet can also give you specific recommendations based upon your dog's breed, age and general condition.

Start out slowly
Just as you wouldn't try to run a marathon on your first day out, don't expect your dog to be ready for a 2-mile run. Start slowly, alternating some running with lots of walking. Renick suggests running no more than a half-mile run the first time out. Gradually add distance as your pet builds endurance.

Begin each outing by walking first to warm her up. And remember to cool down with a walk at the end of each run.

Remember that dogs are eager to please and may follow out of loyalty and affection - even when hurting. It's up to you to pay attention to signals that you are reaching your pet's limit. If he appears to be struggling, slow down and walk for a while.

If you are running on pavement, watch for pad wear. If your pet has been cooped up inside all winter, his pads will be soft and need time to toughen up. Keep an eye on his feet for damage, and have the vet check your dog if you notice any bleeding.

Safety first
Some other things to remember to keep you and your pet safe during your runs:

• When you walk or run with your dog, you should be facing oncoming traffic. This puts the dog, if he is heeling correctly, on your left - away from the traffic.
• Carry plenty of water and offer your dog some every 20 minutes.
• On warm days, watch for signs of overheating, including heavy panting or salivating. Dogs don't tolerate the heat as well as humans because they don't cool by sweating. If you see signs of overheating or your dog is panting heavily, stop immediately and cool him down slowly with cool water (not cold)